Louis van Gaal has told BBC Sport he wants
to become the new manager of Manchester United.
The 62-year-old Netherlands boss has been
the overwhelming favourite for the role since
the dismissal of David Moyes on 22 April.
"I would love the job," said Van Gaal. "I hope
that I shall be the one. It's the biggest club in
the world and it's a fantastic challenge."
It is anticipated United will confirm the
appointment early next week.
Van Gaal was speaking at the start of a three-
day World Cup training camp.
With Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola and
his Borussia Dortmund counterpart Jurgen
Klopp ruled out of the running in the very
early stages, interim boss Ryan Giggs deemed
too inexperienced and Carlo Ancelotti's
position at Real Madrid made more secure by
the Spanish giants reaching the Champions
League final, Van Gaal has become the front- runner.
But despite the huge speculation surrounding
him, the Dutchman is refusing to accept the job is his.
"You (the media) are thinking I'm the man but
the most important thing is whether
Manchester United are thinking that," he said.
"You have to wait and see what the club
decides. It's always the same – it's always a
process and you have to wait for the process,
the press are always too fast."
Van Gaal will not be free to join United until
after the World Cup.
And it is clear he is not willing to allow
discussion over his future to interfere with his
plans for Brazil, having failed to qualify for
the 2002 tournament in his first spell with the Netherlands.
"I have to focus on my job," he said. "I am
coach of the Dutch national team. I have
waited a long time to be in a World Cup so
that's very important.
"This doesn't affect me. I have always had
offers. I know what the football world is and
what it means."
United had already ruled out any formal
announcement this week.
That timescale may have something to do with
a planned meeting on Friday between Giggs
and executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward for
discussions about the Welshman's future.
The 40-year-old has yet to accept any
coaching position with the Old Trafford outfit
and, after introducing himself as a second-half
substitute against Hull, he revealed it was still
to be decided whether he would extend his
playing career by another year.
Giggs has already ruled out the possibility of
playing for another club, meaning his 963rd
appearance for his United could turn out to be
his last.
